Accession No

6589

Brief Description

“Isotope calculator”, circular slide rule with instructions, designed by The Isotope Division, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, English, c. 1949

Origin

England; Harwell

Maker

Isotope Division, Atomic Energy Research Establishment (’A.E.R.E.’)

Class

physics; calculating

Earliest Date

1949

Latest Date

1949

Inscription Date

1949

Material

plastic; metal; paper

Dimensions

6589.1: 230mm diameter 6589.2: 205mm x 320mm

Special Collection

Provenance

Transferred from Churchill College Library, University of Cambridge on or before 19/08/2014. Possibly owned by Sir John Cockcroft, the first Master of Churchill, who was also the first Director of the Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell, where the calculator originated.

Inscription

ISOTOPE CALCULATOR
Designed by
THE ISOTOPE DIVISION,
A.E.R.E., HARWELL

Description Notes

“Isotope calculator”, circular slide rule with instructions, designed by The Isotope Division, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, English, c. 1949.

6589.1: Slide rule for estimating the activity induced in isotopes under neutron bombardment. Four rings can be used in combination. Interior ring measures atomic weight and flux, second from the interior measures specific activity and barns. Third from the interior measures growth factor, and the exterior ring measures time in hours, days and years. Has a movable cursor that can be rotated to give more precise readings. Good condition.

6589.2: Report describing calculator and how it can be used. Includes black and white photograph of the slide rule in the rear. Report estimates expected activity sample will acquire after irradiation for a time in known flux. Details formula for estimating activity induced in isotopes under neutron bombardment is given, and explains that the two calculation which the slide rule can be used to aid. Includes example calculations illustrating how it can be used. A little tatty around the edges and bent.

Possibly owned/used by John Cockcoft.

Condition: good, complete.

References

Events